PRESS RELEASE

City of Long Beach Public Information Office333 W. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802

11/19/2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPress Release # CM: 111914

Subject:

Robert G. Luna to be Sworn In as Chief of Police for City of Long Beach on Saturday November 22

Contact:

LBPD Media Relations
562.570.5273
LBPDMediaRelations@longbeach.gov

On Saturday November 22, 2014, Robert G. Luna will be sworn in as
the 26th Chief of Police for the City of Long Beach. Members
of the public are invited to attend the free ceremony, which will
begin at 12:00 pm in the Long Beach Arena Lobby. The celebration
will mark the promotion of a Long Beach Police Department veteran
and the City's first Latino Chief of Police.

"Over his 29 years on the force, Robert Luna has gone above and
beyond the call of duty," said Mayor Robert Garcia. “He has
demonstrated an abiding love for the City of Long Beach, its
people, and its diverse neighborhoods. He is at the vanguard of
policing and represents a diverse citizenry and leadership that
make us all stronger.”

City Manager Pat West appointed Chief Luna to the position on
Tuesday November 11, 2014. Over the course of his career at the
Long Beach Police Department, Chief Luna has served in a variety of
roles, including 13 years on the executive management team, and
most recently serving as Deputy Chief of Police. The community is
invited to witness the swearing in with a welcome provided by
Sheriff-Elect Jim McDonnell, remarks from the Mayor and City
Manager, as well as light refreshments.

“Chief Luna’s dedication to the Police Department and
the entire community is impressive,” said City Manager Pat
West. “I am positive that he will hold himself and the Police
Department to the highest standards, and I look forward to
celebrating his appointment.”

Chief Luna holds a Master of Public Policy and Administration, and
a Bachelor of Science both from California State University, Long
Beach. He is a graduate of Harvard University’s Senior
Executives in State and Local Government program; the Delinquency
Control Institute (DCI) at the University of Southern California;
and the FBI’s National Executive Institute and National
Academy.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to give back and serve the
community that has given so much to me,” said Chief Luna.
“The community is our greatest asset, and I want to make
clear the Police Department will be as visible, accessible,
responsive and transparent as possible. I look forward to being
sworn in with my family, friends, colleagues and the community
present.”

Chief Luna is replacing Chief Jim McDonnell, who has been elected
Sheriff of Los Angeles County. Chief McDonnell’s term of
service ends November 21, 2014.

Background on LBPD:The Long Beach Police Department is the second largest
municipal police agency in Los Angeles County and provides law
enforcement services to the 7th largest city in the State of
California. With more than 800 sworn officers and a total staffing
of more than 1,200 personnel, the LBPD is dedicated to
professional, proactive, and innovative policing. LBPD is
committed to building and maintaining positive relationships with
the diverse community they serve.

With an annual operating budget of more than $211 million, the
Police Department also provides contracted law enforcement services
to the Port of Long Beach, Long Beach Airport, Long Beach Transit,
and Long Beach City College. In 2013, the LBPD recorded a
41-year low in the number of reported violent crimes, with a
decrease of 13.3 percent when compared to the previous year.